CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/314,605, filed February 28, 2022, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to reconfigurable workspace wall systems, particularly freestanding wall systems for use in areas of significant seismic activity.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Reconfigurable wall systems are commonly used in office settings due to their customizability and scalability. However, wall systems for use in areas of significant seismic activity, more specifically, systems for seismic design categories (SDCs) C through F, must meet extensive requirements and, as a result, are typically complex and expensive. For example, such wall systems typically include one or more large and conspicuous structures for securing the system to the building, such as elongated cables for securing the system to the ceiling or 12”x12” plates for securing the system to the floor surface. As such, improved wall systems would be beneficial.

SUMMARY

[0004] In an Example 1 , a freestanding wall system including a support assembly having a post member; a cornice member including a first channel and a second channel; a first corner bracket coupling the cornice member to the post member, the first corner bracket being received in the first channel of the cornice member; and a second corner bracket coupling the cornice member to the post member, the second corner bracket being received in the second channel of the cornice member.

[0005] In an Example 2, the wall system of Example 1 , wherein the cornice member is a first cornice member, and further including a second cornice member coupled to the post member via the first corner bracket and the second corner bracket. [0006] In an Example 3, the wall system of Example 1 , wherein the first channel of the cornice member is an upper channel, the second channel of the cornice member is an intermediate channel, and the cornice member further includes a lower channel, and the wall system further includes a wall panel received in the lower channel. [0007] In an Example 4, the wall system of Example 3, wherein the wall panel includes a frame and an interior portion coupled to the frame, the frame being received in the lower channel of the cornice member.

[0008] In an Example 5, the wall system of Example 4, wherein the support assembly further includes an upper post bracket received in the post member and coupled to the cornice member via the first corner bracket and the second corner bracket.

[0009] In an Example 6, the wall system of Example 5, wherein the post member includes a cross-sectional footprint and the upper post bracket is entirely disposed within the cross-sectional footprint of the post member.

[0010] In an Example 7, the wall system of Example 5, wherein the support assembly further includes a lower post bracket received in the post member and configured to be coupled to a floor surface.

[0011] In an Example 8, the wall system of Example 7, wherein the post member includes an interior slot, and the upper post bracket and the lower post bracket are both received in the interior slot.

[0012] In an Example 9, the wall system of Example 7, wherein the post member includes a cross-sectional footprint and the lower post bracket is entirely disposed within the cross-sectional footprint of the post member.

[0013] In an Example 10, a freestanding wall system including: a support assembly, including: a post member including a cross-sectional footprint; and a lower post bracket configured to be coupled to a floor surface, the lower post bracket entirely disposed within the cross-sectional footprint of the post member.

[0014] In an Example 11 , the wall system of Example 10, further including a cornice member; and an upper post bracket coupling the cornice member to the post member.

[0015] In an Example 12, the wall system of Example 11 , wherein the upper post bracket is entirely disposed within the cross-sectional footprint of the post member.

[0016] In an Example 13, the wall system of Example 11 , further including a corner bracket, wherein the upper post bracket couples the cornice member to the post member via the corner bracket.

[0017] In an Example 14, the wall system of Example 13, wherein the cornice member includes a channel, and the corner bracket is received in the channel. [0018] In an Example 15, the wall system of Example 11 , wherein the post member includes an interior slot, and both the lower post bracket and the upper post bracket are received in the interior slot of the post member.

[0019] In an Example 16, the wall system of Example 10, further including a wall panel coupled to the support assembly.

[0020] In an Example 17, the wall system of Example 16, wherein the wall panel includes a frame coupled to the support assembly and an interior portion coupled to the frame.

[0021] In an Example 18, the wall system of Example 10, wherein the lower post bracket includes a leg portion, and a foot portion coupled to the leg portion, the foot portion being configured to be coupled to the floor surface.

[0022] In an Example 19, a freestanding wall system, including: a support assembly, including: a post member including a cross-sectional footprint; a cornice member; and an upper post bracket coupling the post member to the cornice member, the upper post bracket entirely disposed within the cross-sectional footprint of the post member.

[0023] In an Example 20, the wall system of Example 19, further including a corner bracket, the upper post bracket coupling the post member to the cornice member via the corner bracket.

[0024] In an Example 21 , the wall system of Example 20, wherein the cornice member includes a channel that receives the corner bracket.

[0025] In an Example 22, the wall system of Example 21 , wherein the channel of the cornice member is a first channel and the corner bracket is a first corner bracket, wherein the wall system further includes a second corner bracket, and the cornice member further includes a second channel that receives the second corner bracket.

[0026] In an Example 23, the wall system of Example 22, wherein the second channel is an intermediate channel, wherein the cornice member further includes a lower channel, and wherein the wall system further includes a wall panel received in the lower channel.

[0027] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an illustrative wall system in accordance with embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein.

[0029] FIG. 2 is an exploded top perspective view of the wall system of FIG. 1 .

[0030] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a portion of the wall system of FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 4 is an exploded top perspective view of the portion of the wall system of FIG. 3.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a detail view of a portion of the wall system within line 5-5 of FIG. 4, showing an illustrative post member and lower post bracket in accordance with embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another illustrative lower post bracket in accordance with embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the lower post bracket of FIG. 6 and another illustrative post member in accordance with embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a detail view of a portion of the wall system within line 8-8 of FIG. 4, showing the post member of FIG. 5 and an illustrative upper post bracket, corner brackets, and cornice members in accordance with embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a top view of the post member of FIG. 7 and another illustrative upper post bracket in accordance with embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein.

[0037] FIG. 10 is a side view of an illustrative cornice member and upper cover member in accordance with embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein.

[0038] It should be understood that the drawings are intended facilitate understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following description refers to the accompanying drawings which show specific embodiments. Although specific embodiments are shown and described, it is to be understood that additional or alternative features are employed in other embodiments. The following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the claimed invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0040] It should be understood that the same reference numerals are intended to identify the same components, elements, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as such components, elements, portions, or surfaces may be further described or explained by the entire written specification, of which this detailed description is an integral part. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (for example, cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the written description.

[0041] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an illustrative wall system 100 in accordance with embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein. The wall system 100 includes a support assembly 102 that supports a plurality of wall panels 104. The wall panels 104 together define one or more spaces 106 that may be occupied, for example, by objects (for example, furniture items, such as desks, chairs, cabinets, and the like - not shown) and/or one or more occupants (not shown). As described in further detail below, the support assembly 102 is relatively robust and facilitates use of the wall system 100 in areas of significant seismic activity. Nevertheless, some of the structural components of the support assembly 102 (that is, the components that provide its robustness) are internally disposed and obscured by other components, which provides the wall system 100 with an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0042] The wall system 100 is illustrated in an arrangement with two “rows” and two “columns” of spaces 106. In other embodiments, the wall system 100 may have different arrangements. Similarly, the wall system 100 may be rearranged to provide a different number of rows and/or columns of spaces 106. More specifically, one or more components of support assembly 102 may be added, removed, and/or rearranged, and/or one or more walls panels 104 may be added, removed, and/or rearranged to provide a different number of rows and/or columns of spaces 106.

[0043] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the wall panels 104 may take various forms and/or include various features. For example, one or more of the wall panels 104, such as the wall panel 104A, may include an interior portion 108A that is coupled to a frame 110A. The frame 110A couples the interior portion 108A to the support assembly 102. The interior portion 108A defines a barrier and may be constructed of various appropriate materials, including, for example, glass, plastics, textiles, wood, or the like. The frame 110A may be constructed of various appropriate materials, including, for example, metals, more specifically steel or aluminum. As another example, one or more of the wall panels 104, such as the wall panel 104B, may include a frame 110B that couples to the support assembly 102, but lack an interior portion. As a result, the wall panel 104B may act as an open entryway to a space 106 or between spaces 106 of the wall system 100. Similarly, the wall panel 104B may act as a cover for the support assembly 102 and obscure one or more components of the support assembly 102. The frame 110A may be constructed of various appropriate materials, including, for example, metals, more specifically steel or aluminum. As a further example, one or more of the wall panels 104 may be dynamic panels and one or more of the wall panels 104 may be static panels. A dynamic panel, such as the wall panel 104C, may include one or more components that are movable relative to one or more other components. As a result, the wall panel 104C may act as a selectively openable and closable door to a space 106 or between spaces 106 of the wall system 100. As yet another example, one or more of the wall panels 104 may carry electrical and/or data cables and/or receptacles (not shown).

[0044] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a portion 300 of the wall system 100. More specifically, a portion of the support assembly 102 and two of the wall panels 104 are illustrated. Although the components of the support assembly 102 will only be described in detail with reference to the portion 300 of the wall system 100, it is understood that components of the support assembly 102 for other portions of the wall system 100 may be the same or similar.

[0045] Components of the support assembly 102 may be constructed of various appropriate materials, including, for example, metals, more specifically steel or aluminum. Generally, the support assembly 102 includes a post member 302, which may also be referred to as an upright member, that internally carries a lower post bracket 400 and an upper post bracket 402 (both shown in FIG. 4). The lower post bracket 400 is configured to be coupled to a floor surface of a building (not shown) via, for example, one or more fasteners (not shown). The upper post bracket 402 couples to one or more cornice members 304 (illustratively, two cornice members 304) via a first corner bracket 404 (FIG. 4), a second corner bracket 406 (FIG. 4), a third corner bracket 306, and one or more fasteners 308. As described in further detail below, the lower post bracket 400, the upper post bracket 402, and the corner brackets 404, 406, and 306 are obscured by the post member 302, the cornice members 304, and upper cover members (shown elsewhere).

[0046] FIG. 5 specifically illustrates the lower post bracket 400 and a portion of the post member 302. Illustratively, the lower post bracket 400 includes a leg portion 500 that is coupled to one of the wall panels 104 (shown elsewhere) and/or the post member 302 via one or more fasteners 502. The leg portion 500 couples to (more specifically, is monolithically formed with) a foot portion 504. The foot portion 504 is configured to be coupled to a floor surface of a building (not shown) via, for example, one or more fasteners (not shown).

[0047] Alternatively, the lower post bracket may take other forms. For example, FIG. 6 shows an illustrative lower post bracket 600 in accordance with embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein. The lower post bracket 600 is similar to the lower post bracket 400, except that the lower post bracket 600 includes a plurality of leg portions. More specifically, the lower post bracket 600 includes a first leg portion 602A and a second leg portion 602B, both of which couple to (more specifically, are monolithically formed with) a foot portion 604. The first leg portion 602A is coupled to one of the wall panels 104 and/or the post member 302 (both shown elsewhere) via one or more fasteners (not shown), and the second leg portion 602B is coupled to another one of the wall panels 104 and/or the post member 302 (both shown elsewhere) via one or more fasteners (not shown).

[0048] As briefly described above, the post member 302 obscures the lower post bracket 600. More specifically and referring now to FIG. 7, the lower post bracket 600 is disposed within the post member 302. The foot portion 604 of the lower post bracket 600 is disposed within an interior channel 700 of the post member 302, the first leg portion 602 of the lower post bracket 600 is disposed within a first interior slot 702A of the post member 302, and the second leg portion 602 of the lower post bracket 600 is disposed within a second interior slot 702B of the post member 302. Illustratively, the lower post bracket 600 is also entirely disposed within a footprint of the post member 302. More specifically, the post member 302 has a cross-sectional footprint 704 perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The lower post bracket 600 is entirely disposed within the footprint 704. As used herein, a footprint refers to an outer perimeter shape of a component, such as the post member 302, plus the overall shape of any coupling structures, such as coupling structures 706A and 706B, that couple the component to one or more adjacent components, such as adjacent wall panels 104 (shown elsewhere).

[0049] FIG. 8 specifically illustrates the upper post bracket 402, the first corner bracket 404, the second corner bracket 406, the third corner bracket 306, a portion of the post member 302, and portions of the cornice members 304. Illustratively, the upper post bracket 402 includes a first neck portion 800A and a second neck portion 800B that are coupled to wall panels 104 and/or the post member 302 via one or more fasteners 802. The first neck portion 800A and the second neck portion 800B couple to (more specifically, are weldably coupled to) a head portion 804. The head portion 804 is coupled to the first corner bracket 404, the second corner bracket 406, and the third corner bracket 306 via, for example, one or more fasteners 806. Illustratively, the first corner bracket 404 and the second corner bracket 406 are partially stacked and together coupled to the head portion 804 via a fastener 806. Alternatively, the first corner bracket 404 and the second corner bracket 406 may be monolithically formed. [0050] As briefly described above, the post member 302 obscures the upper post bracket 402. More specifically and referring now to FIG. 9, the upper post bracket 402 is generally disposed within the post member 302. More specifically, the first neck portion 800A is disposed within the first interior slot 702A of the post member 302, and the second neck portion 800B is disposed within the second interior slot 702B of the post member 302. Illustratively, the upper post bracket 402 is also entirely disposed within the cross-sectional footprint 704 of the post member 302.

[0051] FIG. 10 illustrates one of the cornice members 304 and an upper cover member 1000. Illustratively, the cornice member 304 includes a first, or upper, channel 1002, and a second, or intermediate, channel 1004, and a third, or lower, channel 1006. The upper channel 1002 includes an open top 1008 and open sides 1010 to facilitate receiving the cover member 1000 and the third corner bracket 306 (shown elsewhere). The intermediate channel 1004 includes open sides 1012 to facilitate receiving one of the first corner bracket 404 and the second corner bracket 406 (shown elsewhere). The lower channel 1006 includes an open bottom 1014 and open sides 1016 to facilitate receiving one of the wall panels 104, more specifically the frame 110 of one of the wall panels 104 (shown elsewhere). In some embodiments and as illustrated, the lower channel 1006 may have a smaller width than the upper channel 1002 and the intermediate channel 1004. Alternatively, the lower channel 1006, the upper channel 1002, and/or the intermediate channel 1004 may have different dimensions. Referring briefly to FIG. 8, the cornice member 304 may include one or more through holes 808 to facilitate receiving one or more fasteners 810 for coupling the third corner bracket 306 to one of the first corner bracket 404 and the second corner bracket 406, and/or the cornice member 304 to one of the wall panels 104.

[0052] In some embodiments, the wall system 100 may be provided in a disassembled configuration, or as a kit, for assembly at an appropriate location.

[0053] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the above described features.